Mobile high voltage network

ABSTRACT

A mobile high voltage network supplies electrical consumer units connected via a plug-in connector and can be switched on and off by means of mechanical switches, with a fuse responding in the event of a short circuit. The high voltage network carries a direct voltage and to each electrical consumer unit ( 8; 10 ) a separate diagnostic and protection monitoring system is assigned which is activated when it is switched on and/or off. Such a direct voltage and high voltage network in conjunction with the diagnostic and protection monitoring system makes it possible, before starting up any circuit of consumer units, to effect a self-diagnosis of the protection monitoring system, to ensure that all components are fully functional. Without this, self-diagnosis with proof of functionality the relevant circuit of consumer units is not switched on.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile high voltage network to supply an electrical consumer unit connected by a plug-in connector and which can be actuated by means of mechanical switches, with a fuse responding in the event of a short-circuit.

[0002] So far, few implications have been known for the mobile use of electrical networks of high power transmission. Basically, the conditions and solutions which have become known from stationary high voltage networks have been taken as the basis for this. With such networks, for which only alternating voltages are customary, cable breakage and the separating of connection couplings under load on account of the zero passage of the voltage gradient cause no problems. With a view to the greatest possible flexibility, a high degree of efficiency, a low expenditure on components as well as a reasonably priced solution, including the expenditure on power electronics, the loss through the power electronics as well as the expenditure for the stabilization of the network frequency and the network voltage, these are, however, uneconomic for power transmission by means of high voltage networks based on alternating or direct current.

[0003] In the mobile field, electronically controlled and monitored technical devices have become known already which are capable of self-diagnostic checking. That means that during operation, faults which occur are detected and appropriate actions are instigated.

[0004] The task of the invention lies in creating a high voltage network of the type described in the introduction hereto, that is economic to operate and to monitor.

[0005] The task is solved by the fact that the high voltage network carries a direct voltage, and a separate diagnostic and protection monitoring system is assigned to each electrical consumer unit or load. Such a direct and high voltage network, in conjunction with the diagnostic and protection monitoring makes it possible, before the starting up of any consumer circuit, to carry out the protective monitoring so as to ensure that all the components are fully operational. Without this self-diagnostic check with proof of the capacity to operate, the relevant consumer circuit is not connected.

[0006] The protective device detects insulation faults and faults of the electrical connection. The protective device also prevents any separation of the electrical connector when live. In the event of too high electrical current, a fuse prevents the overloading of the protection device and the electrical line connections and junctions.

[0007] The diagnostic and protection monitoring is, however, also used to regulate the switching off of the consumer circuit so that the network connection can be separated. For this, the consumer circuit is disconnected to the high voltage network and the remaining computer circuits are monitored to see if they are live. In particular, consumer units with stored energy—electrical accumulators or also machines, which on stopping still feed current into the consumer unit—are transferred via a short-circuit connection into the safe condition with no voltage and no current. As soon as the consumer circuit has definitely reached the condition where there is no voltage, the protection monitoring releases the plug-in connector for the separation.

[0008] The features of claim 2 allow a separation of components carrying D.C. voltage, without the surrounding medium being ionized and without any arc occurring. The current can therefore be safely interrupted. In this way, no special protection medium, (e.g. hydrogen) is needed in the contact area and devices to blow out arcs. The operational reliability is increased many times more that with so far customary devices with protection gas and arc blow-devices through the proposed device. The occurrence of an arc is excluded by the proposed solution. There is, therefore, no burning off of the contacts, nor is any device needed to extinguish arcs.

[0009] Over the whole lifespan, without any additional measures the operational reliability of the diagnostic and monitoring, protection is therefore guaranteed. Through the monitoring of insulation faults, line breakage, or too great a flow of power, it is guaranteed that no danger arises when using electronically operated machines through the high voltage network.

[0010] The parallel circuit described in claim 3 of a mechanical switch and a power switch makes it possible to use the advantageous properties and characteristics of danger arises when using electronically operated machines through the high voltage network.

[0011] The parallel circuit described in claim 3 of a mechanical switch and a power switch makes it possible to use the advantageous properties and characteristics of these components to the base advantage. Thus, electronic power switches are in a position to by-pass relatively large potential differences with arc formation, whilst mechanical switches are very prone to this.

[0012] On the other hand, electronic power switches, unlike mechanical switches, exhibit high losses. When following the stated method of switching both when switching on and switching off the consumer unit, due to the effective electronic power switches, on the mechanical switch, there is a very slight voltage difference, which cannot adequately ionize the environment so as to cause no arcs. In addition, with the consumer unit switched on, only a slight drop in power is detected at the switches. The degree of effectiveness of the switching device is higher, and the thermal incidence, which is slight on account of the reduces loss of power, can be dissipated to the environment without additional cooling devices.

[0013] The features of claim 4 bring about on the mechanical switches certain preset voltage levels, which make it possible to establish the proper function of the switches. In addition, the current path takes over the dissipation of the slight leakage current of the power switches, in order to definitely exclude burning off on the contacts.

[0014] Due to the features of claim 5, the plug-in connector cannot be separated when it is under electrical voltage. Therefore, any danger from the occurrence of an arc or contact with live components is excluded. Only in the state where there is no current and no voltage can the connector be disconnected.

[0015] The features of claim 6 make it possible for the diagnostic device to detect potential changes on the screening line, which occur in the event of damage in the insulation fitted between the line carrying current and the protection line through external effects or the interruption of the screening line. The network is then reliably switched off, so that there can be no danger from any damaged line. It is, therefore, guaranteed that the essentially higher probability of the occurrence of harmful effects on the lines in mobile use is not faced with a higher danger potential.

[0016] The features of claim 7 ensure the detection of insulation faults or line interruptions of lines from both the positive and negative pins.

[0017] Further advantageous details and features of the intervention can be seen in the other claims.

[0018] The invention is explained in greater detail hereinafter by reference to the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019]FIG. 1 is a circuit diagram of a diagnostic and protection monitoring system with socket connected to the + pin and the − pin of a D.C. voltage source.

[0020]FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram with an electrical consumer without indexing or stamping which is connected by means of a plug to the diagnostic and protection monitoring system in accordance with FIG. 1.

[0021]FIG. 3 is a circuit diagram with an electrical consumer unit with indexing or stepping, by means of socket and diagnostic and protection monitoring system assigned to this.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0022] In FIG. 1, only the positive pin P and the negative pin M of a mobile high voltage network can be fed by a suitable D.C. current generator, which is not shown. A consumer unit is connected to these pins, with a diagnostic and protection monitoring device accommodated in an insulated casing 1, which facilitates the connection of an electrical consumer unit 8 provided with a socket to the high voltage network (see FIG. 2) using. The plug-in connector 2 is secured against disconnection in situations which are not allowed by means of a mechanical lock 3. In a positive line between the positive pin P and a first contact 4 of the socket, in series behind each other, there is a fuse Si1, an electronic power switch T1, a mechanical switch S2, and an ammeter device i. In a negative line between the negative pin and a second contact 5 of the socket, in series behind each other, there is a fuse Si2, an electronic power switch T3, and a mechanical switch S4. A mechanical switch S1, S3 is connected in parallel to each of power switches T1 and T3. In the direction of the current flow behind the power switches between the positive line and the negative line, a power switch T2 is located. The network further comprises a resistor series circuit consisting of three identical high-impedance resistors R3, R4, R5 whereby the voltage between the resistors R3 and R4 is applied to the free contact of switch S2 and a voltage between R4 and R5 is applied to the free contact of switch S4.

[0023] To generate a reference potential, there is a further resistance series circuit before fuses Si1 and Si2 between the positive line and the negative line consisting of two identical high-impedance resistors R1, R2. The reference potential is defined as the average potential occurring between the resistors, which is fed via the third contact 6 of the plug into the one protection line 7 of the connected consumer unit 8. The other protection line 7 a of the consumer unit A is connected to a fourth contact 13 of the connector, from where there is an electrical connection for the evaluation device. The protection lines 7 are surrounded by an insulating layer and this again surrounds the current-carrying lines leaving contacts 4, 5.

[0024] The consumer 8 may be located alone or in series with further consumer units in a consumer unit circuit. “In series” here does not mean an electronic series circuit, where an electric current flows through every consumer unit and a part of the mains voltage is dissipated. Instead, here it means an arrangement of consumer units, where each connected consumer unit makes available a voltage source for a further consumer unit, as explained below in connection with FIG. 3.

[0025] The drawing shows, in the form of hatched lines, control lines for the control of switches S1, T1, S3, T3, T2, S2, S4 lines for the transmission of the measured values of the ammeter device i, as well as lines for the transmission of voltage values to the measuring points u1, u2, u3, u4, u5 and u6 of the protection monitoring system. These whereby the voltage between the resistors R3 and R4 is applied to the free contact of switch S2 and a voltage between R4 and R5 is applied to the free contact of switch S4.

[0026] To generate a reference potential, there us a further resistance series circuit before fuses Si1 and Si2 between the positive line and the negative line consisting of two identical high-impedance resistors R1, R2. The reference potential is defined as the average potential occurring between the resistors, which is fed via the third contact 6 of the plug into the one protection line 7 of the connected consumer unit 8. The other protection line 7 a of the consumer unit A is connected to a fourth contact 13 of the connector, from where there is an electrical connection for the evaluation device. The protection lines 7 are surrounded by an insulating layer and this again surrounds the current-carrying lines leaving contacts 4, 5.

[0027] The consumer 8 may be located alone or in series with further consumer units in a consumer unit circuit. “In series” here does not mean an electronic series circuit, where an electric current flows through every consumer unit an a part of the mains voltage is dissipated. Instead, here it means an arrangement of consumer units, where each connected consumer unit makes available a voltage source for a further consumer unit, as explained below in connection with FIG. 3.

[0028] The drawing shows, in the form of latched lines, control lines for the control of switches S1, T1, S3, T3, T2, S2, S4 lines for the transmission of the measured values of the ammeter device i, as well as lines for the transmission of voltage values to the measuring points u1, u2, u3, u4, u5 and u6 of the protection monitoring system. These lines are connected to an evaluation device 9, which makes the protection monitoring capable of self-diagnosis.

[0029]FIG. 3 shows an electrical consumer unit 10 connected to the protection monitoring in accordance with FIG. 1 with indexing or stepping by means of a socket 11 from which a further electrical consumer unit can be supplied with electrical power via a plug-in connection 12. Here again, a diagnostic and protection monitoring system of the same kind as described in FIG. 1 is fitted between the plug-in connector 13 and the high voltage network. Naturally, resistors R1, R2 for generating the reference potential in each consumer circuit now only exist, so that in the event of a fault a high-impedance contact protection is guaranteed.

[0030] For the constant monitoring of protection line 7 by the evaluation device 9 for continuous flow and passage, a reference potential is connected via the protection line 7 of a connected consumer unit 10 to the third contact 6 of the diagnostic and protection monitoring system which is in socket 11 and a normally closed contact S5. The normally closed contact S5 is opened, if via the connector 12 a further consumer unit is connected, and closed, if the connector is disconnected.

[0031] In the closed position of the normally closed contact S5, that is if no further consumer unit is connected, the reference potential is connected through via protection line 7 a to the evaluation device 9 in FIG. 1 and via resistor R6 to the evaluation device 9 in FIG. 3 and to the fourth contact 13.

[0032] In the open condition of the normally closed contact S5, that is if a further consumer unit is connected, the direct connection between protection lines 7 and 7 a is interrupted. A reference potential is connected from the third contact of connector 12 to which a protection line of the connected consumer unit and from its other protection line is connected to the fourth contact, from which a direct electrical connection to evaluation device 9 and via resistor R6 as well as protection line 7 a providing a connection to the evaluation device 9 as shown in FIG. 1.

[0033] Method of operation of the diagnostic and protection monitoring system:

[0034] Switching on the consumer unit:

[0035] If the supply is guaranteed by the generator the positive and negative voltages are measured at measuring points u1, u2 against the reference potential produced by the resistors R1, R2. If the fuse Si1, Si2 are in order and switchers S1, S3 are open, then the electronic power switched T1, T2 and T3 in the disconnected condition act like resistors in series between the + pin and − pin. Between measuring points u1 and u3, u3 and u4, as well as between u4 and u2 characteristic voltages can then be measured. If these voltages to zero, then power switches T1, T2 and T3 are safely disconnected.

[0036] Switching on the consumer unit:

[0037] If the supply is guaranteed by the generator, the positive and negative voltages are measured at measuring points u1, u2 against the reference potential produced by the resistors R1, R2. If the fuses Si1, Si2 are in order and switches S1, S3 are open, then the electronic power switched T1, T2 and T3 in the disconnected condition act like resistors in series between the + pin and − pin. Between measuring points u1 and u3, u3, and u4, as well as between u4 and u2, characteristic voltages can then be measured. If these voltages fall to zero, then power switches T1, T2 and T3 are safely disconnected.

[0038] Switches, S2 S4 are open if between measuring points u3 and u5, as well as between u4 and u6, the voltages corresponding to the resistance series circuit from resistors R3, R4 and R5 stop.

[0039] If this condition is in order, then in the first instances switches S2, S4 are is closed. Now, the voltages between measuring points u3 and u5, as well as between u4 and u6, drop to zero volts. If switches S2, S4 are in order, then the voltages on the next opening of the switches must rise again.

[0040] The next step is that power switch T2 is switched on. The voltage between measuring point u3 and u4 must now decrease with the voltage drop of power switch T2 in the connected condition. If this happens, then power switch T2 is in order and it is switched off again.

[0041] Power switches T1, T3 can now be switched on, and the voltages between measuring point u1 and u3, as well as between u4 and u2 must go typically from 2V to <4V in response to the voltage drop at the power switches T1 and T3. Then, power switches T1 and T3 are again switched off and the voltages rise again.

[0042] Switches S1, and S3 can now be switched on, and the voltages between measuring points u1 and u3, as well as between u4 and u2, must properly got to 0V.

[0043] Then switches S1 and S3 are switched off again, whereupon with perfect operation, the voltages rise again.

[0044] Now, switches S2 and S4 are closed, and power switch T3 is switched on. The voltage between the measuring point u4 and u2 must decrease with the known voltage drop of power switch T3. This ensures that this switch is switched on. Now, switch S3, which has the task of minimizing the loss of power switch T3, is closed.

[0045] Power switch T1 is now switched on again, and the voltage supply occurs on connector 2 and consumer unit 8, which is connected thereto. In order to minimize the power losses on power switch T1, switch S1 is then switched on, and power switch T1 is switched off.

[0046] The described procedure of switching on may only take place if protection lines, 7, 7 a for the onward passage of the reference potential do completely allow passage and no interruptions occur.

[0047] Switching off the consumer unit:

[0048] The switch-off procedure begins with the opening of switches S1 and S3. Then, power switch T1 is switched off and power switch T2 is switched on. Since via the consumer, which can also work as a generator, voltage can be fed in, a short circuit is necessary via power switch T2, so that the voltage in this case does not rise too high, if there is no protection device for this in the consumer unit.

[0049] As soon as the ammeter device i establishes that no further current is flowing (consumer unit 8 no longer working as a generator), switches S2 and S4 are opened.

[0050] The switching off of switches S2, S4 is checked by measuring voltage between measuring points u3 and u5 or u4 and u6. If the switching off was unsuccessful, power switches T3 and T2 are switched off.

[0051] Faults:

[0052] Power switch T1 does not switch on:

[0053] This can be discovered when switching on by voltage measurement between measuring point u1 and u3.

[0054] Consequence: no switching on possible.

[0055] Power switch T1 does not switch off:

[0056] This can be discovered when a power switch T1 is switched on and/or off. If a defect is found, then the switch-on procedure can not be affected.

[0057] When switching off, by short-circuiting the power switch T2, the voltage at measuring points u1, u3 and u5 collapses. The short-circuit current destroys the fuse Si1 or Si2. As soon as it is no longer possible to establish any further current via ammeter device i, then complete switching off is effected. Consequence: no further switching on possible; by voltage measurement between measuring point u1 and u3, it is possible to discover any defect of the fuse or defect of power switch T1.

[0058] Power switch T3 does not switch on:

[0059] This can be discovered when switching on by measuring voltage between measuring points u2 and u4.

[0060] Consequence: no switching on possible.

[0061] Power switch T3 does not switch off:

[0062] When testing a switching function it is already possible to discover whether power switch T3 switches on and off. If a defect is found, then the switching-on procedure can no longer be effected.

[0063] When switching off, faulty operation can be discovered by measuring the voltage between measuring points u2 and u4. If power switch T3 does not switch off, then nonetheless connector 2 can be switched off, the network is separated safely by switches S2 and S4.

[0064] Consequence: no switching on possible.

[0065] Power switch T2 does not switch on:

[0066] This can be discovered when switching on between measuring points u3 and u4.

[0067] Consequence: no switching on possible, when switching off the mains connection, with the consumer units working as generators an intolerably high voltage may occur.

[0068] Power switch T2 does not switch off:

[0069] During the switch-on test or when switching off, this can be discovered by measuring between measuring points u3 and u4. Consequence: no further switching on possible, since otherwise there is a short circuit. Safe switching off is possible.

[0070] Fault on switch S1: corresponding fault on power switch T1. Fault on switch S3: corresponding fault on power switch T3. Fault on switches S2, S4:

[0071] This is checked during the switch-on test operation, and can be discovered via voltage between measuring points u3 and u5 or u4 and u6.

[0072] Consequence: no further switching on possible; cannot be opened when switching on switches S2, S4, power switches T2 and T3 remain switched on.

[0073] Prevention of arcs:

[0074] The on/off switching procedure is accomplished with electronic power switches T1, T3 and mechanical switches S1, S2, S3 and S4. The on/off switching procedure and the ammeter device prevent the occurrence of an arc on switches S1, S2, S3 and S4 either through reduction to very low switching voltages or very high-impedance current paths.

[0075] The occurrence of an arc in the connector is prevented by the fact that this can only be separated via a controlled locking device, if the mains voltage to the connector is switched off.

[0076] If an arc occurs through mechanical effects on the current-carrying line to consumer 8, which is protected by protection line 7, then this is detected by protection line 7 through a voltage drop or voltage rise of the reference voltage and the mains voltage is switched off.

[0077] Interruption of the protection line:

[0078] Protection line 7 is constantly monitored by the evaluation device 9 for full flow and passage. For this the reference potential is connected via protection line 7 of a connected consumer unit 8 to the evaluation device 9 (FIG. 1). If, as shown in FIG. 3, a connected consumer unit 10 comprises a connector 12 and provides for the connection of a further consumer units, then connection of all the connected consumer units is assured.

[0079] In this case the connection of the protection line to the previously connected consumer 10 is to be cancelled and the last consumer unit in the series must make the connection to the evaluation device 9.

[0080] As soon as an interruption of the protection line is discovered, evaluation device 9 switches off the mains for this circuit of consumer units.

[0081] In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principle and mode of operation of this invention have been explained and illustrated in its preferred embodiment. However, it must be understood that this invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically explained and illustrated without departing from its spirit or scope. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A mobile high voltage network for the supply of at least one electrical consumer or electrical load connected via a plug-in connection which can be switched off and on by a mechanical switch, the network comprising a fuse which is activated in the event of a short circuit, wherein the high voltage network carries a D.C. voltage and wherein a separately activated diagnostic and protection monitoring system is assigned to each electrical consumer unit or load when a consumer or load is switched on and/or off.
 2. The high voltage network according to claim 1, wherein the diagnostic and protection monitoring system includes means to prevent arcs when actuating the mechanical switches (S1; S2) and/or disconnecting the connector; for the monitoring of defective conditions said defective conditions including overloading of the network; and for switching off the network in the event of the occurrence of defective conditions.
 3. The high voltage network according to claim 2, wherein an electronic power switch is switched in parallel to each of the mechanical switches, whereby to switch on the consumer unit the power switches are first switched on until at least achieving an approximate potential equalization and after achieving at least the approximate potential equalization the mechanical switches are switched on, and wherein to switch off the consumer unit before the switching off of the mechanical switches the power switches are switched on and remain switched on until the mechanical switches are switched off.
 4. The high voltage network according to claim 1, wherein during diagnostic checking of the mechanical switches between the positive line and the negative line of the network a high-impedance current path acting as current divider includes at least three resistors connected in series whereby the resistors by-pass the switches.
 5. The high voltage network according to claim 1, wherein with the consumer unit (8; 10) switched on, the connector (2; 12) is secured against release by mechanical lock (3).
 6. The high voltage network according to claim 1, wherein the current carrying lines of the consumer unit are provided with a protection line carrying a reference potential, and wherein in the event of a change in the reference potential occurring through one of a breakage of the line carrying current and interruption of the protection line, the high voltage network is switched off by means of a diagnostic evaluation device.
 7. The high voltage network according to claim 6, wherein the reference potential is set to average potential between the positive pin and the negative pin.
 8. The high voltage network according to claim 7, wherein the reference potential is set to average potential by means of two resistors (R1; R2).
 9. The high voltage network according to claim 6, further comprising a power switch (T2) connected or by the response on the diagnostic evaluation device, said power switch being located between the positive line and the negative line and generating a short-circuit, the network further comprising two fuses, one located in the positive line and one located in the negative line in the direction of flow of the current before the power switch (T2), the or each fuse (Si1; Si2) responding to the short-circuit by interrupting the high voltage network.
 10. The high voltage network according to claim 1, wherein a power switch (T2) is located between the positive line and the negative line, and wherein during the uncompleted process of switching off the consumer unit initiated by the diagnostic evaluation device when at least one mechanical switch (S2) fitted between the power switch and with the consumer unit, which is set to open, is connected, an ammeter determines the current flowing through the switch S2, whereby the diagnostic evaluation device only continues the process of switching off the consumer unit (8; 10), if the measured current falls below a preset value.
 11. The high voltage network according to claim 2, wherein said defective conditions include at least one of overloading the network and interruption of power supply to a consumer unit. 